RU161143U1 - CRAWLER ENGINE - Google Patents

Abstract

A caterpillar mover comprising a frame on which a driving wheel, support rollers, guide rollers, elastic tape covering a drive wheel, support rollers and guide rollers, rollers associated with the frame and interacting with the outside of the elastic tape, characterized in that the frame is a spatial structure having a cross member rigidly connecting the opposite parts of the frame, as well as elements carrying bearing rollers, made and installed with the possibility of changing and fixing with its position relative to the frame, thereby providing the possibility of changing the geometry of the frame and making it possible for the guide rollers to function as supporting rollers.

Description

The utility model relates to devices designed to increase the patency of wheeled vehicles, namely automobiles, as well as motorcycles and ATVs. tricycles, tractors.

It is known (patent RU 2159193, published: 11/20/2000). The following is the claims of this invention.

1. A device for increasing the cross-country ability of a vehicle, comprising drive and non-drive removable support devices connected to vehicle components, characterized in that the drive support device comprises a trolley with support rollers mounted pivotally on the driving axis of the vehicle and an elastic band covering the support rollers and the drive wheel of the transport vehicle means or a drum or sprocket installed in their place, and the non-power supporting device includes ski with support for the non-power wheel and with cops fixation with respect to it.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front track roller is pivotally connected to levers, one of which is pivotally connected to the body or frame of the car, and the other is pivotally connected to the trolley.

3. The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the front and rear track rollers are pivotally connected to levers that are pivotally connected to the trolley and are connected with elastic elements.

4. The device according to p. 2, characterized in that the lever pivotally connected to the body or frame of the car is spring loaded relative to them.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it is equipped with protective tension plates fixed to the bottom of the wheel arches of the car.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the trolley contains tension rollers, elastically connected with the trolley and interacting with the outer side of the elastic tape.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the trolley is equipped with additional track rollers rigidly connected to the previously mentioned corresponding front and rear track rollers, or the latter are made elongated with one or two additional tapes located respectively on one or two sides of the trolley and covering additional rollers or elongated parts of the track rollers.

8. The device according to p. 7, characterized in that each additional supporting roller or each elongated part of the supporting roller is pivotally connected to additional or previously indicated other lever, which is pivotally connected to the frame of the trolley.

9. A device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that plates with front ends curved upwards are fixed to the trolley in front and / or rear.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that it contains mounted on the drive wheel elastic gear tape with a locking device at the ends.

11. The device according to p. 10, characterized in that the toothed tape contains on the sides several leashes, fixed in the slots of the wheel disc.

12. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the ski is made with paws mounting the ski from opposite sides to the drive of the non-drive wheel of the car.

13. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that both ends of the ski are bent up.

14. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the skis contain interceptors made with the possibility of control from the brake system of the car.

15. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the skis contain slots in which the rollers are rotated on the axes of the ski support located above the plane of the ski support, with the possibility of contact with the supporting surface.

16. The device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the ski is made in the form of a trolley with track rollers covered by an elastic band.

From the patent RU 2159193 (see the above claims, p. 1, p. 3, p. 6) selected as a prototype, a device is known:

from clause 1, a trolley with track rollers and an elastic tape covering the track rollers and the drive wheel of the vehicle or a drum or an asterisk installed in their place;

p. 3 The device according to p. 1, characterized in that the front and rear track rollers are pivotally connected to levers that are pivotally connected to the trolley and are connected with elastic elements.

p. 6 Device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, characterized in that the trolley contains tension rollers, elastically connected with the trolley and interacting with the outer side of the elastic tape.

The disadvantages of the device are:

The trolley of the device contains suspension elements (articulated levers), which are lever forks of the pulling and pushing types. Forks of this design are suitable only for use on small, light and inexpensive vehicles.

In the design of the prototype (see description) articulated levers 18 and 19, on which the front 20 and rear 21 track rollers are mounted, are connected to the trolley 22 by elastic elements 23. Claim 3: the device according to claim 1, characterized in that the front and rear Track rollers are pivotally connected to levers, which are pivotally connected to the trolley and connected with it by elastic elements.

According to the description of the prototype, such a design is suitable for providing an opportunity to enter an obstacle. Indeed, in some cases, such a design will facilitate entry into the obstacle, however, its use would be more justified on vehicles that do not have their own elements of suspension and cushioning.

The hinged levers of the device require a means of ensuring their long-term mobility, which complicates, aggravates and accordingly increases the cost of the device.

Elastic elements complicate, weight and accordingly increase the cost of the device. The elastic elements are open, therefore, the articulated levers lose mobility when stuffing dirt in the structure, as well as the formation of ice during prolonged parking.

Lever travel is limited due to the tension of the elastic band when the front, rear rollers are offset from a central position. This also limits the ability to install longer levers instead of short ones. To tension the elastic tape, the trolley contains tension rollers, elastically connected with the trolley. Elastic elements are subject to immobilization due to dirt, ice, and they also make the construction heavier and more expensive.

The use of movable levers makes the structure non-rigid, which negatively affects the handling of the vehicle. The weighting of the device leads to an increase in unsprung masses of the vehicle and, accordingly, an increase in the moment of inertia.

Besides,

it is not possible to use the supporting surface of the drive support device as efficiently as possible due to the absence of the latter, means of providing rigid fixation of the articulated levers with the front and rear support rollers relative to the elements on which the other support rollers of the trolley are suspended, in the required positions, as well as the presence of elastic elements;

there is no possibility to adjust the geometry of the area of the supporting surface of the structure, to increase or decrease the contact spot, which in turn leads to the inability to reduce the specific pressure on the ground, ice, snow, etc., respectively, also increase / decrease the clearance of the vehicle.

The trolley of the device does not actually contain a frame to which suspension elements, for example, levers, can be attached, as well as track rollers, a drive wheel (there are only individual elements that determine the relative position of the above elements). With a design without a rigid frame, it is impossible to provide torsional rigidity of the trolley, respectively, and parallel alignment of the axes of the rollers.

In frames in which the axles of the rollers, the axes of the levers perform the functions of power elements, the attachment points of these axes must be designed to withstand the increased loads on them, and the axes themselves, ultimately, must be stronger than similar axes installed in a closed frame or frame of the supporting structure

It is known (patent JPS 4919535 (A), 1974-02-21) a device that is a caterpillar mover for a vehicle, namely a car. The caterpillar mover comprises a trolley with track rollers and an elastic band covering the track rollers and the drive wheel of the vehicle, or a drum or an asterisk installed in their place. Also, the caterpillar mover contains rollers associated with the frame of the trolley and interacting with the outside of the elastic tape. The design provides for the possibility of tensioning the elastic tape by means of a screw mechanism and a rear track roller. The frame of the trolley contains two parts, between which the rollers are mounted on the axles, the drive wheel, and no levers are provided for by the design. Also, there are no elements, for example, a cross-member, providing torsional rigidity of the structure. To facilitate overcoming obstacles when moving the car forward, the front roller of the caterpillar mover has an upward displacement relative to the main track rollers, thus forming an angle of entry. The possibility of increasing the angle of entry, as well as the possibility of increasing the supporting surface (contact spots) by reducing the angle of entry are not provided. The rear track roller does not have any upward displacement relative to the other track rollers, which makes it difficult to overcome vertical obstacles when reversing. Also, the possibility of upward displacement of the rear track roller is not provided.

When using this design of a caterpillar mover on a vehicle, reversing the last one will be difficult. The design of the frame does not provide for the ability to vary components and technical solutions.

The problem to which the claimed utility model is directed is to create a device that is a caterpillar mover that can be used instead of the drive wheel of the vehicle.

Wherein.

The caterpillar mover must have a frame that performs a number of functions that can be divided into “structural” and “geometric”.

For the caterpillar mover, from a structural point of view, the frame is used to locate and fasten the drive wheel, track rollers, including paired track rollers, elastic tape and other auxiliary parts. To effectively perform this function, the frame must be rigid, including torsion, strong and as light as possible. The caterpillar mover should have a frame, the design of which would provide for the ability to vary components and technical solutions.

From a geometric point of view, the frame of the caterpillar mover should provide the required steering geometry, suspensions, wheelbase, track, center of mass for the vehicle with which the caterpillar mover will be used.

For a caterpillar mover, the frame must ensure that the wheels (track rollers) are in line. The frame should be sufficiently rigid under the influence of forces that appear when moving in a corner, acceleration and braking.

In the absence of adequate strength and stiffness of the frame, wheels (track rollers) may shift relative to each other and the drive wheel. Insufficient rigidity of the frame can not only cause difficulty in moving, it can reduce the advantages of the vehicle engine with which the tracked propulsion will be used to nothing, forcing to adhere to a cautious driving style.

When turning, it is desirable to ensure the same grip of the track over its entire working area with the ground, for this it is necessary that the caterpillar track wheel (drive wheel) installed instead of the vehicle wheel is equidistant from the extreme track rollers.

The caterpillar mover must have a supporting surface, the geometry of which can be changed, which would result in:

the possibility of changing (increasing and decreasing) the area of the supporting surface of the mover (the possibility of increasing and decreasing the contact spot), respectively, the ability to increase or decrease the pressure on the ground, as well as the ability to improve the perception of lateral loads;

the ability to increase and decrease the angle of entry and the exit angle, respectively, the ability to improve the ability to overcome vertical obstacles when moving both forward and reverse, as well as the possibility of a smooth exit from the surface.

The problem is solved by providing the possibility for the elements of the caterpillar mover, namely the drive wheel, track rollers, guide rollers, elastic tape, tension rollers, other elements of the caterpillar mover to be at the required (predetermined) distance from each other, and also by making it possible changes in the geometry of the frame, as a result of which it is possible to increase the supporting surface and the possibility of reducing the supporting surface.

The problem is solved in that, according to a utility model, a caterpillar mover comprising a frame on which a driving wheel, track rollers, guide rollers, elastic tape covering the drive wheel, track rollers and guide rollers, rollers associated with the frame and interacting with the outside of the elastic tapes is characterized in that the frame is a spatial structure having at least one cross member rigidly connecting the opposite parts of the frame, as well as an element bearing the guide rollers Adapted to changing and fixing its position relative to the frame, thereby providing the possibility of changing frame geometry allowing the guide rollers functioning as reference.

The essence of the utility model is illustrated by drawings.

In FIG. 1 shows a caterpillar mover, (side view), where the extreme pairs of elements 2, 3 of the frame 1 are fixed in the up position. The extreme (front and rear, i.e. mounted on the extreme elements of the frame) pairs of rollers are raised. The angle of entry, the angle of exit are maximum, the area of the supporting surface is minimal, (the contact spot is minimal).

In FIG. 2 shows a caterpillar mover, (side view), where one pair of the extreme elements of the frame is fixed in the up position, for example, a pair of elements 3. One pair of extreme rollers is raised. Accordingly, it will be a pair of rollers 11. Another pair of extreme frame elements (pair of elements 2) is fixed in a position that ensures that the pair of rollers on this pair of extreme frame elements is at the same level with the support rollers 7 of frame 1. That is, such a pair of extreme rollers (10) performs the functions of both guide rollers and track rollers. The angle of entry or the angle of exit, depending on the direction of the vehicle, is maximum. The area of the supporting surface is medium.

In FIG. 3 shows a caterpillar mover, (side view), where the extreme

pairs of elements 2, 3 of the frame are fixed in positions that ensure the location of the pairs of rollers on these elements at the same level with the track rollers of the frame. That is, these pairs of extreme rollers also function as supporting ones. The angle of entry, the angle of exit are minimal (available only due to the diameters of the extreme rollers), the area of the supporting surface is maximum (maximum contact spot).

In FIG. 4 shows a caterpillar mover, (view from the other side).

In FIG. 5 shows a caterpillar mover, (view from the other side).

In FIG. 6 shows a caterpillar mover, (view from the other side).

In FIG. 7 shows the elements of a caterpillar mover: frame 1 with a cross member 4 and a console 5, a driving wheel 6, an axle for rollers, (front view).

In FIG. Figure 8 shows the elements of a caterpillar mover: frame 1 with a cross member 4, a driving wheel 6, axles for rollers, (bottom view).

In FIG. 9, 10, 11 shows a caterpillar mover, General view.

The caterpillar mover contains a frame 1, which is a spatial structure consisting of two opposite side parts, rigidly connected to each other by means of a central part (cross member) ensuring the rigidity of the frame, including torsion. The number of crossbars can be one or more. Elements 2 of the frame, with the ability to function in pairs. Elements 3 of the frame, also having the ability to function in pairs. Elements 2, 3 of the frame are rigid plates with holes. Each of the elements 2, 3 of the frame is attached to the frame 1 using connecting elements, they can be bolts, screws, nuts. For each element 2, 3 of the frame, one of the above connecting elements (except for nuts) is the axis of rotation of this element 2, 3 of the frame relative to the frame 1. The number of connecting elements is determined by the requirements for structural rigidity. The holes in the elements 2, 3 of the frame and / or frame 1 for these bolts, screws can be threaded, in this case, nuts for bolts and screws are not required. Also in the frame 1 or the elements 2, 3 of the frame can be made through the slots instead of holes designed to adjust the position of the elements 2, 3 of the frame. The number and location of holes in the elements 2, 3 of the frame and frame 1 is determined by the requirements for the geometry of the supporting surface. Frame 1 contains two opposite side parts rigidly interconnected by a cross member 4 (Fig. 7). Crossbars can be one or more. A console 5 is attached to one of the side parts of the frame 1, including by means of a triangular-shaped amplifier made integral with the frame cross member (Fig. 7). The console 5 is made in the form of a cylinder. Inside the console 5 by means of bearings, a shaft is installed, at the output end of which a drive wheel 6 is installed.

Between the side parts of the frame 1 on the axes are installed: pair of track rollers 7 in an amount of at least two pairs, two pairs of rollers 8 designed to interact with the outer side of the elastic tape 9 and the tension of this tape. The outer surface of the elastic tape has grousers and recesses (guides) for the movement of the rollers 8. The inner surface of the elastic tape 9 is made with recesses (guides) designed for the drive wheel 6 and the rollers. To enable coaxial connection with the wheel hub of the vehicle, the drive wheel 6 has holes specially designed for this. Can be used and other supporting designs that provide the connection of the driving wheel 6 and the element designed to install on it the wheels of the driving vehicle. Between the elements 2 of the frame, on the axis, a pair of rollers 10 is installed, is an extreme pair of rollers. A pair of rollers 10 in addition to the guide function has the ability to perform the function of track rollers. Between the elements 3 of the frame, on the axis, a pair of rollers 11 is installed, also having the ability to perform, in addition to the guiding function, the function of the support rollers. The elastic tape 9 covers the driving wheel 6, the pair of track rollers 7, the pair of rollers 10, the pair of rollers 11. To reduce the possibility of elastic tape 9 slipping off, the rollers can be rubberized, either equipped with polyurethane tires or all-metal with internal shock absorption. Two pairs of rollers 8, interacting with the outer side of the elastic tape, are mounted on the axes, each of which has the possibility of displacement and fixing relative to the frame 1. The possibility of displacement of the axes of the rollers 8 is provided due to the presence of through grooves in the parts of the frame 1. The possibility of fixing is provided by means of gear plates 12, which are regulators in the form of eccentrics, through which the axes of the rollers 8 and elements 13 (for example, bolts, screws, pins, etc.) are passed, intended to engage with these gear plates Steen. The possibility of fixing the gear plates 12 relative to the frame 1 can be provided both with the help of the elements 13 and with the help of bolts (screws) on the axes of the rollers 8. The frame, rollers, rollers, other parts of the device can be made for various sizes of elastic bands (tracks) .

Possible options for the materials and profiles used for the manufacture of the frame.

Steel. Stamped steel elements.

Aluminum. Its strength and weight are approximately three times less than that of steel, therefore, to create an aluminum frame that is equivalent to steel, it will need to be increased three times. But stiffness depends on the area of the material, and the aluminum frame is the same with steel strength and weight will be much tougher.

Profile of frame elements: triangular, box-shaped. For the manufacture of aluminum frame elements used: casting, forging, stamping, rolling.

Titanium. It has properties similar to steel, but much lighter than steel and is not subject to corrosion.

Composite materials. A type of carbon fiber reinforced plastic or Kevlar in combination with a resinous binder, sometimes with aluminum honeycomb structures, can provide rigidity in individual loading directions.

The functioning of the device.

The device "Caterpillar mover" is installed instead of the drive wheel of the vehicle. For this, the drive wheel 6 of the caterpillar propulsion unit is coaxially connected to an element (for example, a wheel hub) intended for mounting the drive wheel of the vehicle on it. If connection is not possible, you can use a device that allows for coaxial connection. For example, it can be a plate, on its different diameters, perpendicular to its plane equipped with threaded rods and / or having holes with or without threaded.

In FIG. 1, FIG. 4 shows a caterpillar mover, where in pairs, the extreme elements 2, 3 of the frame are fixed in the up position. The extreme (front and rear, i.e. mounted on elements 2, 3) pairs of rollers are raised. The angle of entry, the angle of exit are maximum, the area of the supporting surface is minimal (contact spot is minimal). A raised front pair of rollers facilitates entry into vertical obstacles; a raised rear pair of rollers provides a smooth exit from the surface. The area of the supporting surface is minimal compared to the combinations in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3. The increase in specific pressure on the soil by reducing the supporting surface and, accordingly, the rubbing surface facilitates the use of the device on hard soils, reduces the risk of the possibility of the effect of aquaplaning.

In FIG. 2, FIG. 5 shows a caterpillar mover, where one pair of the extreme frame elements is fixed in the up position. Accordingly, one of the pairs of extreme rollers raised. Another pair of extreme frame elements is fixed in a position ensuring the location of the pair of rollers on this pair of extreme frame elements on the same level with the track rollers of the frame. That is, such a pair of extreme rollers performs the functions of both guide rollers and track rollers. The angle of entry or the angle of exit, depending on the direction of the vehicle, is maximum. The area of the supporting surface is medium. This combination is convenient if you want to increase the area of the supporting surface, respectively, to reduce the specific pressure on the ground or others that are under the tape of the caterpillar mover. A raised pair of end rollers improves the ability to overcome obstacles.

In FIG. 3, FIG. 6 shows a caterpillar mover, where in pairs, the extreme elements 2, 3 of the frame are fixed in positions that ensure that the rollers on these elements 2, 3 of the frame are at the same level with the track rollers of the frame. That is, these pairs of extreme rollers also function as supporting ones. The angle of entry, the angle of exit are minimal (available only due to the diameters of the extreme rollers), the area of the supporting surface is maximum (the contact spot is maximum). With this combination, the specific pressure on the soil, snow, ice or others is minimal. Provides the best perception of lateral loads.

Adjusting the tension (if necessary) of the elastic tape 9 is carried out using rollers 8, gear plates 12, elements 13.

The greatest cross-country ability can get a vehicle, which instead of each drive wheel will be equipped with a caterpillar mover. The drive wheels of the vehicle may be equipped with skis or devices containing skis may be installed instead of such wheels.

Claims (1)

A caterpillar mover comprising a frame on which a driving wheel, support rollers, guide rollers, elastic tape covering a drive wheel, support rollers and guide rollers, rollers associated with the frame and interacting with the outside of the elastic tape, characterized in that the frame is a spatial structure having a cross-member rigidly connecting the opposite parts of the frame, as well as elements carrying bearing rollers, made and installed with the possibility of changing and fixing with its position relative to the frame, thereby providing the possibility of changing the geometry of the frame and making it possible for the guide rollers to function as supporting rollers.

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